Feng shui is the ancient Chinese principle of creating a harmonious balance of energies in any given space. If you look at all the feng shui suggestions, you will realize that there is really nothing ‘supernatural’ about them. In fact, it seems like an ancient interior design manual that might have been altered and manipulated by a few over the last few centuries for personal gains. Strip away the unnecessary connotations and feng shui reveals its true charm.

There are no magic stones and astrological calculations here. It is simply about common sense, ergonomics and aesthetics that create a perfect home. The Week brings you a few fundamental and easy-to-use feng shui tips that will get you started on the journey to harmony.

De-clutter
This is an interior design mantra that works irrespective of whether feng shui is your thing or not. No space ever looked good with a clutter of décor and accessories. Keep only the bare essentials on display and create as much free space for the flow of positive energy.

Replace anything that is broken or damaged as this indicates bad chi. A similar approach to your wardrobe will also help you a lot in creating new shelf space with ease.

Invite inside natural greenery
This is probably one feng shui rule that is known universally. Indoor plants, herbs, hanging gardens and living wall ideas are all a welcome addition to your home. If you are blessed with a beautiful backyard, make it an integral part of the visual of your house. Potted plants and little herbs on the home office desks can instantly create an atmosphere of positivity. From a scientific standpoint, the advantages of greenery in any setting are pretty well known by now. Living with nature obviously does not limit things to plants alone. Anyone who has a pet will tell you all about the array of joyous moments they offer.

Also, using materials such as bamboo and birch around the house adds to the freshness of the space. Never underestimate the healing power of a simple plant or a gorgeous blossom.

Music in the air
Most of us are already hooked to iPods and smartphones while doing household chores.

All feng shui asks you to do is share that joy with the world. If constant streaming music is not your thing, then a few wind chimes will do just fine. Add them around your house to create a harmonious setting that keeps away silence. Much like nature, music has an ability to heal, turn bad days into good ones and brings people together.

Also, open your windows and let the sounds of a bustling garden flow into your home.

Water also has an ability to create soothing sounds and this is precisely why a simple waterfall or even a lovely fountain can be incredibly helpful here.

Flowing space with the right balance
Anything that has sharp edges and could cause serious harm in case of a slip is out.

Feng shui demands round edges and sensuous curves. If you have kids, then this probably is the first feng shui advice that you must take home. Beyond the sharp edges, a flowing space and balance of materials helps in the circulation of positive force. A combination of fire, wind, water, earth and metal is the best scenario. In a modern world, each of these can be brought in with various design elements.

Glass often represents water, ceramic additions bring in earth and a fireplace or lovely candles usher in the fire element. Do not overwhelm the room with a single color or material. Also try to have as much natural light in your living room as possible. Big windows and light material curtains are highly recommended.

Statues and good luck charms
Most people tend to believe that a feng shui tortoise or a Buddha statue is the only way to go. But that is barely the truth. The idea of these statues is to remind us of life’s larger meaning, its philosophy and their own cultural representation. The tortoise, for instance, is considered one of the guardians of feng shui in Chinese culture along with the dragon, tiger and the phoenix. You can always pick something that is equally positive and uplifting from your own cultural backdrop.

Relaxing bedrooms and vibrant workspace
Placing the bed directly opposite to the bedroom door is considered bad. Arrange your bedroom in such a manner that you have good view of the entrance. Not only is this good for a peaceful sleep, but it makes evolutionary and anthropological sense. Since our homes have not always been secure, we are always sub-consciously a lot more peaceful when we have good and comfortable view of the entrance.

Use colors in the bedroom that achieve a balance between positivity and calming effect.

All gray and white bedrooms are not always the best. Put the desk in your home office in an elevated position and away from windows that might cause the chi to flow out. A lovely collection of paperweights and a smart lighting shall help anchor the area.

Lighting is the key
Finally, we get to lighting. Not because it is the least important of all the feng shui aspects, but because it is one thing that you should never forget about. Perfect lighting eliminates all dark corners in the room. Darkness is negativity and bad chi. Natural lighting is the best source of positivity and a vibrant atmosphere during daytime. Apart from great natural ventilation, a smart combination of recessed and focused lighting should take over after sunset. There is simply no substitute to quality air and quality light in creating a refreshing home.

Similarly, mirrors are also considered very important in feng shui. Mirrors are believed to double positive energy, therefore doubling its potency. They are also believed to work by preventing the flow of negative energy around the home. So strategic and generous placing of mirrors is highly recommended.

 
• feng shui
 
• harmonious home
 
• supernatural
 
• the week